In order to implement the work plan of the Third Academic Committee of the Open University of China (OUC), and promote the development of young teachers in the OUC’s Science and Engineering disciplines, the Science and Engineering sub-committee of the Academic Committee of the OUC recently held a professional-development forum for young teachers at the OUC headquarters.

Wang Ying, a researcher and committee member, Professors Wang Zhuo and Shao Yunda, and Associate Professor Wang Li from the Faculty of Science and Engineering, guided the forum. Fifteen young teachers from the Faculty of Science and Engineering, the Experimental School, and other departments participated, with six reporting on progress in research and development. Along with these reports, the forum involved participants sharing their research ideas and achievements, comments from the committee, and exchanges and discussions.

Dr. Yan Xiaoyu of the Faculty of Science and Engineering spoke first to share her experiences as a course coordinator and give the young teachers guidance on the basis of her research experience. Based on her own work, Dr. Cao Shanshan from the Experimental School spoke of the difficulties teachers face, the progress of teaching research, and the future of research planning. Dr. Yu Qijing from the Faculty of Science and Engineering gave a report titled "Innovative Algorithm-based Teaching-simulation Platform" that referred to his doctoral research, and covered his thoughts on the characteristics and difficulties of distance teaching. Dr. Wang Yidan from the Faculty of Science and Engineering gave a report titled "Cloud-based High-performance Distributed Real-time Big-data Processing", and spoke of his research plans. Dr. Zhang Yafen from the Faculty of Science and Engineering reported on her doctoral research, and spoke on the topic of "Lifelong Open Education based on Knowledge Management". Finally, Liu Yang, teaching secretary in the Faculty of Science and Engineering, reported on the progress of ongoing research, "Project-based Cultivation of Digital Learning in Continuing Education".

The scholars discussed content, methods and concepts amongst each other and with the reporter, while the young teachers also participated. All participants agreed on the usefulness of the event.

The forum, organised by the sub-committee with help from the Faculty of Science and Engineering, the Experimental School, the Lifelong Education Research Institute, and other departments, strengthened the connection between teaching and research, attracted more participants and enhanced the academic atmosphere. At the same time, it brought the guidance of the experts directly to the young teachers involved. In the future, it will organise similar activities for young teachers of Science and Engineering discipline, enhancing the development of these disciplines, and of the university overall.

By Yu Qijing,OUC